Herbicidal compositions

ABSTRACT

Herbicidal composition and method utilizing as active ingredient one or more N-alphahaloalkylanilide.

111 ited States Patent Continuation-impart of application Ser. No.

680,598, Sept. 15, 1967, now abandoned Original application Mar. 21, 1966, Ser. No. 535,664, now abandoned Continuation-impart of application Ser. No.

329,279, Dec. 9, 1963, now abandoned. Divided and this application Sept. 3, 1969, Ser. No. 855,047

The portion of the term of the patent subsequent to Dec. 15, 1987, has been disclaimed.

[54] HERBICIDAL COMPOSITIONS 13 Claims, No Drawings 52 'U.s.cl

71/118, 71/88, 71/93, 71/109, 7l/l l0, 7l/l l6, 7l/l 17 [51] Int. A0ln 9/20 [50] Field of Search 260/562 B; 71/1 18 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,863,752 12/1958 Hamm et al. 7l/l l8 FOREIGN PATENTS 622,131 12/1962 Belgium Primary Examiner-Lewis Gotts Assistant Examiner-Catherine L. Mills AnorneysDavid D. Centola, Paul C. Krizov and Neal E.

Willis ABSTRACT: l-lerbicidal composition and method utilizing as active ingredient one or more N-alphahaloalkylanilide.

HERBICIDAL COMPOSITIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application, Serial Number 680,598, filed Sept. I5, 1967, now abandoned, which in turn is a division of application Serial Number 535,664, filed Mar. 21, 1966, now abandoned, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of application Serial Number 329,279, filed Dec. 9, 1963, now abandoned.

This invention relates to N-alphahaloalkylanilide compositions which possess herbicidal properties. This invention further relates to herbicidal compositions and methods for inhibiting the growth of plant systems.

The term plant system" as used herein and in the appended claims means germinant seeds, emerging seedlings and established vegetation including the roots and aboveground portions.

The herbicidal compositions and method of this invention comprises as active ingredient one or more N-alphahaloalkylanilide of the formula wherein R is alkyl having a maximum of 10 carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms and alkoxy having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms and alkoxy having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl each having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms and the group wherein X is halogen; R is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; p is one of the integers to 5; v is one of the integers 0 to 2; R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and aryl each having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms; X and X are each independently halogen; m is one of the integers O to 5; and n is one ofthe integers 0 to 3.

A preferred embodiment of this invention are those compositions and method in which the active ingredient is one or more N-alphahaloalkyl-anilide of the formula wherein R and R are each independently alkyl having a maximum of carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl each having a maximum of eighteen carbon atoms and the group wherein X is halogen; R is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; p is one of the integers 0 to 5; v is one of the integers 0 to 2; R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl and aryl each having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms; X and X are each independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromo and iodo; m is one of the integers 0 to 5; and n is one of the integers 0 to 3.

A more preferred embodiment of this invention are those compositions and method in which the active ingredient is one or more N-alphahaloalkyl-anilide of the formula wherein R and R are each independently alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl each having a maximum of six carbon atoms and the group wherein X is halogen; R is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; p is one of the integers 0 to 3; v is one of the integers 0 to 2; R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; X and X are each independently selected'from the group consisting of chloro, bromo and iodo; m is one of integers 0 to 2; and n is one of the integers 0 to 2.

Representative R in the formula include but is not limited to methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec butyl, tert-butyl, n-amyl, tert-amyl, l,l ,Z-trimethylpropyl, 1,1- dimethylbutyl, l, l -dimethylamyl, 1,1,2-trimethylbutyl, l ,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, l, l ,2,3-tetramethylbutyl, l, l ,2,2- tetramethylbutyl and l,l-dimethyloctyl. ln the formula R as an alkyl can be for example, methyl, ethyl, nropyl, isopropyl, n-buty] isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl. n-amyl, nhexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl and the various homologues and isomeric forms of alkyl having not more than 8 carbon atoms. As alkoxy, R can be for example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy and tert-butoxy. In the formula R can be the alkyl or alkoxy listed above for R and also halogen (Cl, Br, F and 1).

Representative aliphatic R hydrocarbyl for the compounds of the formula include by way of example alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, amyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, octadecyl and the various homologues and isomers of alkyl having from one to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl such as vinyl, allyl, n-butenyl-l, n-butenyl-Z, n-pentenyl- 2, n-hexenyl-2, 2,3-dimethylbutenyl-2, n-heptenyl, n-decenyl, n-dodecenyl and the various homologues and isomers of alkenyl having two to 18 carbon atoms and alkynyl such as propargyl and the various homologues and isomers of alkynyl having from three to 18 carbon atoms.

Representative aryl and substituted aryl R for the formula which are represented by the structure include by way of example phenyl, o-chlorophenyl, mchlorophenyl, m-bromophenyl, p-chlorophenyl, 2,4- dibromophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, 3,5- dichlorophenyl, 2,4,6-tribromophenyl, 2-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl, 2-bromo-5-hydroxyphenyl, 2,5-diiodophenyl, 2,4,5- trichlorophenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,3-dichloro-5-hydroxyphenyl, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenyl, 2,3,4,5,6-pentachlorophenyl, o-hydroxyphenyl, m-hydroxyphenyl, phydroxyphenyl, 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl, 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl, 2,4-dihydroxy-6-chlorophenyl, 2,6-dihydroxyphenyl, 2,3- dihydroxyphenyl, methylphenyl, 2-chloro-4-methylphenyl, 2,4-dichloro-6-methylphenyl, 2,4-dimethylphenyl, ethylphenyl, n-propylphenyl, isopropylphenyl, 2,4-dimethyl-6- chlorophenyl, tert-butylphenyl, 2,4-di(tert-butyl)-phenyl and 2,6-di(tert-butyl)phenyl.

Representative R X,,,' for the above formula include by way of example the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl listed above for R; aryl such as phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl and the like; haloalkyl such as chloromethyl, iodomethyl, bromomethyl, fluoromethyl, chloroethyl, iodoethyl, bromoethyl, fluoroethyl, trichloromethyl, diiodoethyl, dibromoethyl, trifluoromethyl, dichloroethyl, chloro-n-propyl, iodoisopropyl, bromo-n-butyl, bromo-tert-butyl, l,3,3- trichlorobutyl, 1,3,3-tribromobutyl, chloropentyl, bromopentyl, 2,3-dichloropentyl, 3,3-dibromopentyl, chlorohexyl, bromohexyl, 2,4-dichlorohexyl, l,3-dibromohexyl, 1,3,4- trichlorohexyl, chloroheptyl, bromoheptyl, fluoroheptyl, 1,3- dichloroheptyl, l ,4,4-trichloroheptyl, 2,4-dichloromethylheptyl, chlorooctyl, bromooctyl, iodooctyl, 2,4- di(chloromethyl)hexyl, 2,4-dichlorooctyl, 2,4,4- trichloromethylpentyl, 1,3,5-tribromooctyl and the halogenated straight and branched chain nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl and octadecyl; halo-alkenyl such as chlorovinyl, bromovinyl, chloroallyl, bromoallyl, 3-chloro-n-butenyl-l, 3- chloro-n-pentenyl-l 4-chloro-n-hexenyl-2, 3,4- dichloromethylpentenyll 3-fluoro-n-heptenyl-l, 1,3,3- trichloro-n-heptenyl- 5, l,3,5-trichloro-n-octenyl-6, 2,3,3- trichloromethylpentenyl-4 and the various homogues and isomers of haloalkenyl having two to 18 carbon atoms; haloalkynyl such as chloropropargyl, bromopropargyl, iodopropargyl and the various homologues and isomers of haloalkynyl having three to l8 carbon atoms and haloaryl such as ochlorophenyl, m-chlorophenyl, m-bromophenyl, pchlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 2,4,6- tribromophenyl, 2,5-diiodophenyl, 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenyl and 2,3,4,5,6-pentachlorophenyl.

The compounds of this invention are prepared by the process which comprises reacting an acyl halide of the formula XOCR X, with an aromatic azoalkine of the formula wherein R, R R, R, R", X, X, m and n are as defined above.

The azoalkine reactants, used for the preparation of the compounds of this invention, are prepared by the reaction of an aniline derivative with the appropriate aldehyde according to the following reaction bromo-n-propyl,

wherein R, R, R, R and n are as previously defined.

The process of the present invention can be carried out with substantially equimolar amounts of reactants but an excess of either can be employed. For greater yields the acyl halide is preferably present in excess of equimolar amounts. The reactants are usually admixed at room temperature, i.e., about 25 C. However, higher or lower temperatures can be employed, the temperature not being critical. The reaction is substantially complete when the exothermic reaction which occurs upon admixture of reactants has subsided. A supplemental reaction period at temperatures below the decomposition temperature of the products is usually employed to ensure complete reaction. The supplemental reaction period preferably is carried out below about C. by heating at reflux. The process is preferably carried out in the presence of an inert organic medium. Suitable inert media include, for example, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons such as n-heptane, hexane, benzene, toluene, xylene and the like.

The separation of the resulting reaction product from the reaction mixture is readily accomplished by conventional means. For example, the solvent and unreacted acyl halide or azoalkine can be removed by stripping or distillation, preferably low-temperature vacuum distillation. The product can be purified by fractional distillation under reduced pressure, selective extraction, crystallization or any suitable combination of these.

The compounds of this invention have herbicidal activity and this activity is best exhibited by the alpha-haloacetanilide herbicides represented by the formula wherein R -X,,, is CH Cl, CH Br or CH In accordance with this invention it has been found that the growth of germinant seeds, emergings ;seedlings and established vegetation can be controlled or modified by exposing the germinant seeds, emerging seedlings or the roots of aboveground portions of established vegetation to the action of an effective amount of one or more of the alpha-haloacetanilides represented by the formula wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br and l and R, R R", R, X and n are as previously defined. The most preferred herbicides are those wherein the alkyl acid and alkenyl of R have not more than five carbon atoms. These compounds are effective as general herbicides, including postemergent herbicides and preemergent herbicides, but their most outstanding utility is as preemergent herbicides. Furthermore, these compounds are characterized by broad spectrum herbicidal activity; i.e., they modify the growth ofa wide variety of plant systems including both broadleaf and grass plants. For the sake of brevity and simplicity the term active ingredient" will be used hereinafter to describe the herbicides of this invention as represented by the formulas above.

The herbicidal compositions of this invention contain at least one active ingredient and a material referred to in the art as a herbicidal adjuvant in liquid or solid form. The herbicidal compositions are prepared by admixing the active ingredient with an adjuvant including diluents, extenders, carriers and conditioning agents to provide compositions in the form of finely divided particulate solids, granules, pellets, solutions and aqueous dispersions or emulsions. Thus, the active ingredient can be used with an adjuvant such as a finely divided particulate solid, a solvent liquid of organic origin, water, a wetting agent, dispersing agent, an emulsifying agent or any suitable combination of these.

The term herbicidal composition" as used herein and in the appended claims is intended to mean not only compositions in a suitable form for application, but also concentrated compositions which require dilution or extension with a suitable quantity of additional liquid or solid adjuvant prior to application.

The compounds of this invention are also useful as intermediates in making other new compounds, particularly herbicides, which are disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,442,945. In US. Pat. No. 3,442,945 the compounds of this invention are subjected to hydrolysis or reacted with an alcohol, mercaptan, phenol or thiophenol to make new compounds wherein the X of this invention is replaced by OH, OR or SR, the R being the residual organic portion provided by the alcohol, mercaptan, phenol or thiophenol.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of specific examples thereof:

EXAMPLE 1 This example describes the preparation of 2-bromo-N- bromomethyl-Z-tert-butyl-6'-methylacetanilide. To a 500 ml. four-neck flask were added 99 g. of bromoacetylbromide and 150 g. of n-heptane. With stirring 85 g. of 2-tert-butyl-6- methyl-N-methyleneaniline were added dropwise over a 15- minute period, the temperature rising exothermically from 23 to 75 C. After the addition of the azomethine was complete the reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 minutes. The reaction mixture then was transferred to a beaker and placed in a deep freeze where crystallization took place. The reaction mixture was filtered and the crystallized solid removed by filtration was washed with hexane. This solid was washed with a 50:50 n-heptane/toluene mixture and dried on a funnel overnight under nitrogen. The peach-colored, sandy solid product recovered from the funnel weighed 161 g., m.p. 103107 C. An elemental analysis of the product yielded the following results:

This example describes the preparation of 2-tert-butyl-2- chloro-N-chloromethyl-6'-methylacetani1ide. A flask was charged with 37.6 g. of chloroacetyl chloride (0.33 mole) and 150 ml. of hexane. With stirring 51 g. of 2-tert-butyl-6- methylphenylazomethine was added over a period of 10 minutes, the temperature rising exothermically from 23 to 70 C. After the addition was complete the reaction mixture was refluxed for minutes, using a DRIERIT E tube on the condenser. The reaction mixture was chilled to C. with stirring until crystallization occurred and then placed in an ice box. The crystals were filtered, washed with three 50 ml. portions of hexane and dried under nitrogen. The product crystals weighed 77.5 g., m.p. 90-91.5 C. A chlorine analysis of the product gave 24.3 percent chlorine vs. a theoretical chlorine content for the desired product of 24.6 percent.

EXAMPLE 3 This example describes the preparation of 2'-tert-butyl-2- chloro-N-chloromethyl-6-ethylacetanilide. A flask was charged with 113 g. of chloroacetyl chloride (1 mole) and 250 g. of n-heptane, and then 189.3 g. of 2-tert-butyl-6-ethyl-N- methyleneaniline (1 mole) were added with stirring over a one-half hour period. The temperature in the flask rose from 20 to 75 C. The reaction mixture, after the addition of the reactants was complete, was refluxed briefly and then allowed to cool. A DRlERlTE tube was used on the condenser to exclude water. The cooled reaction mixture was placed in a deep freeze. The next morning it was noted that a heavy oil product had separated from the n-heptane and that a small amount of solid product was also present. To the reaction mixture was added 200 ml. of hexane and 50 ml. of toluene. The reaction Percent Found Culcd for C ,H, Ci,NO

C 59.7 59.6 H 7. l 7.0 Ci 23.2 23.4

EXAMPLE 4 This example describes the preparation of 2-bromo-N- bromomethyl-2'-tert-butyl-6'-ethylacetanilide. A flask was charged with 121 g. (0.6 mole) of bromoacetyl bromide and 200 g. of n-heptane. The mixture was heated to 95 C. and 113.75 g. (0.6 mole) of 2-tert-butyl-6-ethyl-N-methyleneaniline was added to the flask with stirring over a 30-minute period. An exothermic reaction occurred. The reaction mixture was heated for 5 minutes after the addition of the methyleneaniline had been completed. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool. After cooling, the reaction mixture was filtered and the crystalline product washed with 200 ml. of 3:1 hexane/benzene mixture, and dried under nitrogen. The product was a tan crystalline solid weighing 210 g., m.p. 100-104 C. A bromine analysis of the product yielded 40.8 percent bromine; calculated for C l-l Br No, Br40.86.

EXAMPLE 5 This example describes the preparation of 2-bromo-2-tertbutyl-N-chloromethyl-6'-methylacetanilide. A flask was charged with 59 g. (0.5 mole) of bromoacetyl chloride and 225 ml. of toluene. Over a period of one-half hour, 87.5 g. of 2-tert-butyl-6-methyl-N-methyleneaniline was added and the temperature increased with an exothermic reaction from 20 to C. The reaction mixture was heated to C., and then refluxed for 5 minutes at C., pot temperature. The reaction mixture was cooled to about 10 C., filtered, and the solid product washed with 1:3 mixture of hexane/toluene and dried under nitrogen. The product consisted of pale tan crystals weighing g., m.p. 88-90 C. A bromine analysis of the product gave 23.9 percent bromine and a chlorine analysis 10.4 percent chlorine. Calculated for C H Br ClNO,

Br=24.02, Cl=l0.66

EXAMPLE 6 This example describes the preparation of 2'-tert-butyl-2- chloro-N-(1-chloro-2-butenyl)-6-methylacetanilide. A flask was charged with 56.5 g. (0.5 mole) of chloroacetyl chloride and 200 g. of n-heptane. With stirring the reaction mixture was heated to 50 C. and then 99 g. (0.46 mole) of 2-tertbutyl-N-crontonylidene-6-methylaniline was added over a one-half hour period. An exothermic reaction raised the temperature to 70 C. At the end of the addition, the reaction mixture was heated to 90 C. at which point it became a clear redbrown mixture and a small amount of l-lCl was evolved. When the reaction mixture had cooled to about 65 C., the product was transferred to a beaker and placed in deep freeze. The product crystallized overnight in the deep freeze. The reaction mixture was filtered and the product washed with 2:1 hexane/toluene mixture and dried under nitrogen. The product was a tan powder weighing 101 g, m.p. 68-70 C. An elemental analysis of the product yielded the following results:

Percent Found Calc'd for C H CQNO Carbon 62.4% 62.2%

This example describes the preparation of 2-bromo-2-tertbutyl-N-(alpha-bromo-2-hydroxybenzyl)-6'-ethylacetanilide. Into a reaction vessel charged with 70.7 g. (0.35 mole) of bromoacetyl bromide in 100 ml. of toluene was added 88 gm. (0.31 mole) of Z-tert-butyI-G-ethyl salicylidene aniline in 250 m1. of toluene with stirring over a 5 minute period. The temperature in the flask rose exothermically from 23 to 40 C. Heat was then applied bringing the pot temperature to 1 C. for a few minutes. A small amount of HBr evolved and a solid separated. After cooling the sandy, cream-colored solid was removed by filtration, washed with benzene and dried under nitrogen. This solid weighed 145 gm. m.p. l68-l69 C. with decomposition. An elemental analysis of the product yielded the following results:

Percent Found Calcd for C H B NO c 52.9 52.2 H 5.5 5.2 Br 32.4 33.1

EXAMPLE 8 This example describes the preparation of 2-tert-butyl-N- cloromethyl-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzanilide. A reaction mixture comprising 97 g. (0.46 mole) of 2,4-dichloro-benzoyl chloride, 84 g. (0.48 mole) of 2-tert-butyl-6methyl-N- methyleneaniline and 150 g. of n-heptane was refluxed overnight at about 102 C. Upon cooling, a portion of the reaction mixture solidified, leaving an upper heptane layer, which was decanted. The solid was recrystallized from a 50:50 n-heplane/toluene mixture, washed with 100 ml. of n-heptane and dried under nitrogen. The product was an off-white solid, weighing 142 gm., m.p. l 10-120 C. An elemental analysis of this product yielded the following results:

Percent Found Calcd for C H BqNo,

Following substantially the same procedure as in the foregoing examples, the following compounds are prepared:

Example Compound 24 2'-t-hutyl-6 '-methoxy N-hmmomethyl-2 -bmmoncetanilidc 25 2'-t-butylA'.6'-dimethyl-N-bromomethyl-2-bmmuacetanilide 26 2',4-dimethyl-N-chlnromethyl-Z-chloroacetnnilidc Z7 2'.4'-dimethyl-N-chloromerhyl-Z-bromuacetanilide 28 2',4-dimelhyl-N-chlommethyl-Z-iodu-acetanilide 29 2',t-butyl-S,6dimethyl-N-chlommcthyl-Z bromoacetanilide 30 2'-tutyl-5'.6-dimclhyl-N-chloromethyl-Z chluroucctunilidc 3| 2'.6'-di-n-umyl-N-chloromethyl-Z-chlomucetunilide 32 2 .6'-dimelhyl'3',4',S'-trichlorn-N-chloromelhyl-2- chlnroacetnnilide 33 2-melhyl-6'-octyl-N-hromomethyl-2- hrumoucetunllidc 34 2',6-dimethyl-N-(ulpha-chluro-Z,4-dimethylbenzyl 2-chloruucetunilide The following examples illustrate the preparation of the starting reactants:

EXAMPLE 36 This example describes the preparation of 2-tert-butyl-6- methylphenylazomethine. To a three-liter flask having a reflux condenser and water trap was added 1,000 g. (6.12 moles) of 2-tert-butyl-fi-methylaniline, 240 g. (8 moles formaldehyde equivalent) of trioxymethylene, 10 g. of 25 percent trimethylamine in methanol and 500 ml. of toluene. The reaction mixture was refluxed beginning at C. and ending up with a pot temperature of C., at which point no additional water of the reaction was being collected in the water trap. The reaction mass was allowed to cool to room temperature. Weight of the water layer in the water trap was g. containing an appreciable amount of formaldehyde. 90 g. more of trioxymethylene (3 moles equivalent of formaldehyde) were added to the flask and refluxing was continued at 1 10 C. for an additional one-half hour but no more water was collected in the water trap. The reaction mixture remaining in the flask was then filtered and vacuum distilled through a packed column. The distillate fractions collected were as follows:

Cut Weight,

N0. B.P. C. Vacuum, mm. Grams m,

Mobile residue 16 Percent Found Calcd for C H N A portion of the product left standing at room temperature for 28 days showed no appreciable change in refractive index, indicating a very stable product.

If in the procedure of example 1, 6.12 moles of Z-tert-amyl- 6-methylaniline are used rather than the 2-tetrt-butyl-6- is 2-tert-amyl-6- EXAMPLE 37 This example describes the preparation of 2-tert-butyl-6- ethylphenylazomethine. To a two-liter flask having a reflux condenser and water trap was added 886 g. (5 moles) of 2- tert-butyl-6-ethylaniline, 200 g. (6.66 moles) of paraforrnaldehyde, 1 ml. of ammonium hydroxide and 450 ml. of cyclohexane. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux at 80 C. and the pot temperature steadily rose to 90 C. To keep the temperature of the reaction mixture down, an additional 100 g. of cyclohexane was added to the flask. When the reaction was completed, a total of 104 g. of water had been collected in the trap and this water smelled strongly of formaldehyde. The reaction mixture was filtered to remove the solid trioxymethylene and the filtrate was distilled under vacuum through a packed column, taking the following cuts: (1) b.p. 1 mm. 8485 C., weight 209 g., n l,525l. This first fraction, though clear, smelled of formaldehyde. (2) b.p. 0.5 mm. 79 C. weight 696 g., n 1.5252, with a faint formaldehyde odor. The last drop over had a refractive index of n 1.5231. The residue in the flask, 25 g., had a refractive index of n 1.5327 and is probably the aniline starting material. An elemental analysis of the 696 g. cut, i.e., cut No. (2) yielded the following results:

Percent Found Calc'd for C H N A sample of this product, stored under nitrogen to prevent oxidation, still had a refractive index of n25 0 1.5252 after standing for l 1 months, demonstrating the extreme polymerization resistance of these strongly hindered N-methyleneanilines.

EXAMPLE 38 residue in the flask was then distilled in a packed column and the following fractions were collected:

Cut

Weight,

8.1. C. Vacuum, mm. Grams awn- 6 There was no residue remaining in the distillation pot at the 5 end of cut 4. An elemental analysis of cut No. 3 yielded the following results:

Percent Found Calcd for C,;,H N

EXAMPLE 39 This example describes the preparation of 2-methoxy-6- tert-butylphenylazomethine. To a 3-liter flask having a reflux condenser and water trap is added 1,074 g. (6 moles) of 2- methoxy-6-tert-butylaniline, 240 g. (8 moles-formaldehyde equivalent) of trioxymethylene, 10 g. of 25 percent trimethylamine in methanol, and 500 ml. of toluene. The flask is heated to reflux and most of the water of reaction is removed below C.; however, heating is continued until the pot temperature reaches 140 C. The reaction mixture is then allowed to cool to room temperature. The water layer collected in the trap contains an appreciable amount of formaldehyde. The reaction mixture is filtered to remove any solid trioxymethylene and the filtrate is vacuum distilled through a packed column. The desired product 2-methoxy-6- tert-butylphenylazomethine is recovered in high yield as a distillate fraction.

EXAMPLE 40 This example describes the preparation of 2,6 -dimethylphenylazomethine. A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser and water trap was charged with 501 gm. (4.13 moles) of 2,6-dimethylaniline, 165 gm. (5.5 moles formaldehyde equivalent) of trioxymethylene and 400 gm. of heptane. The reaction mixture was refluxed beginning at 80 C. and ending up with a pot temperature of C.. at which point no additional water of the reaction was being collected in the water trap. The reaction mixture remaining in the flask was then filtered and vacuum distilled through a packed column. The distillate fraction boiling in the range of 54 to 57 C. at a pressure of 1 mm. of mercury was filtered to remove trioxymethylene to give 328 gm. of 2,6-dimethylphenyloxamethine, a colorless oil, n 1.5724. The product was stable upon standing overnight in benzene solution. After standing for 6 days the product was a solid. The solid was heated at C. for 16 hours causing liquefaction.

EXAMPLE 41 This example describes the preparation of Z-tert-butylphenylazomethine. A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser and water trap was charged with 298 gm. (2 moles) of Z-tert-butylaniline, 92 gm. of paraformaldehyde, 5 ml. of 25 percent trimethylamine in methyl alcohol and 400 ml. of benzene. The reaction mixture was refluxed beginning at 80 C. and ending up with a pot temperature of 91 C., over a 4- hour period. The reaction mixture remaining in the flask was vacuum distilled through a packed column. The distillate fraction boiling in the range of l l61 17 C. at a pressure of 30 mm. of mercury amounted to 241 gm. of 2-t-butylphenylazomethine, a colorless liquid, r1 1.5331.

EXAMPLE 42 This example describes the preparation of Z-tert-butyl-lnaphthylazomethine. A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser and water trap was charged with 224 gm. of 2-tertbutyl-l-naphthylamine, 45 gm. (1.5 moles-formaldehyde equivalent) of trioxymethylene, 5 ml. of 25 percent triethylamine in methanol and 250 ml. of benzene. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 hours with a final pot temperature of 93 C. The reaction mass was allowed to cool to room temperature. Weight of the water layer in the water trap was 26 g. The reaction mixture remaining in the flask was then filtered and vacuum distilled through a packed column. The distillate fraction boiling in the range of l20-l25 C. at a pressure of 1.0 mm. of mercury amounted to 197 gm. of product, n 1.6063, mw 212.

EXAMPLE 43 This example describes the preparation of 2-isopropyl-6- methylazomethine. A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser and water trap was charged with 208 gm. of 2- isopropyl--methylaniline, 60 gm. (2moles-formaldehyde equivalent) of paraformaldehyde, 5 m. of 25 percent triethylamine in methanol and 200 gm. of benzene. The reaction mixture was refluxed beginning at 80 C. and ending up with a pot temperature of 95 C., over about 1 hour. The reaction mass was allowed to cool to room temperature and filtered. The filtrate was vacuum distilled through a packed column. The distillate fraction boiling in the range of l03l0 8 C. at a pressure of 10 mm. of mercury amounted to 195 gm. of 2-isopropyl-6-methylphenylazomethine, n 1.5283.

EXAMPLE 44 This example describes the preparation of 2-ethyl-6- methylphenylazomethine. A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser and water trap was charged with 193 gm. of 6-ethyl-o-toluidine, 60 gm. (2 moles-formaldehyde equivalent) of para-formaldehyde, 5 ml. of 25 percent triethylamine in methanol and 300 ml. of benzene. The reaction mixture was refluxed beginning at 77 C. and ending up with a pot temperature of 90 C., over a period of about 16 hours. The reaction mass was allowed to cool to room temperature. Weight of the water layer in the water trap was 35 gm. containing an appreciable amount of formaldehyde. The reaction mixture remaining in the flask was then filtered and vacuum distilled through a packed column. The distillate fraction boiling in the range of 78-80 C. at a pressure of5 mm. of mercury was a colorless oil amount to 197 gm. of 2-ethyl-6- methyl-phenylazomethine.

EXAMPLE 45 This example describes the preparation of 2-tert-butyl-6- methylcyclohexylazomethine. A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser and water trap was charged with 253.5 gm. of 2-tert-butyl-6-cyclohexylamine, 65 gm. of paraformaldehyde and 300 gm. of benzene. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 3 hours and then cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixture remaining in the flask was filtered and vacuum distilled through a packed column. The distillate fraction boiling in the range of 103104 C. at a pressure of 18 mm. of mercury amounted to 201.5 gm. of 2-t-butyl-6-methylcyclohcxylazomethine, n 1.4668.

Calcd for C H N: C, 79.49; H, 12.79; N, 7.73

Found C, 79.62; H, 12.83; N, 7.58

EXAMPLE 46 This example describes the preparation of 2,6-diethylphenylazomethine. A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser and water trap was charged with 2,200 gm. of 2,6- diethylaniline, 600 gm. (20 moles-formaldehyde equivalent) of para-formaldehyde, 15 ml. of percent triethylamine and 500 gm. of benzene. The reaction mixture was refluxed until .paraformaldehyde began to condense in the condenser at which time an air condenser was employed and refluxing resumed for an additional 4% hours to a final pot temperature of 144 C. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and subjected to vacuum distillation. The fraction boiling in the range of l00-l20 C. at a pressure of 10 mm. of mercury was recovered and fractionally distilled in a packed column to obtain the product fraction, 748 gm., having a boiling point of 104 C. at a pressure of 1 1-12 mm. of mercury, n 1.5278.

EXAMPLE 47 This example describes the preparation of 2-methyl-4,6-dit-butylphenylazomethine. A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser and water trap was charged with 321 gm. of 4,6-di-t-butyl-o-toluidine, 60 gm. (2 moles-formaldehyde equivalent) of paraformaldehyde, 5 ml. of 25 percent triethylamine in methanol and 250 gm. of hexane. The reaction mixture was refluxed beginning at 70 C. and ending up with a pot temperature of 80 C., over a period of about 5 hours. The reaction mass was allowed to cool to room temperature. The reaction mixture remaining in the flask was then filtered and vacuum distilled through a packed column. The distillate fraction boiling in the range of 75-80 C. at a pressure of 0.3 mm. of mercury amounted to 336 gm. of Z-methyl- 4,6-di-t-butylphenyl-azomethine, n 1.5166.

EXAMPLE 48 The preemergence herbicidal activity of representative alpha-haloacetanilides of this invention was detennined in greenhouse tests in which a specific number of seeds of a number of different plants, each representing a principal botanical type, were planted in greenhouse flats. A good grade of top soil was placed in aluminum pans and compacted to a depth of three-eighths to one-half inch from the top of the pan. On the top of the soil were placed a predetermined number of seeds of each of the following plant species. Morning glory, wild oat, brome grass, rye grass, radish, sugar beet, giant foxtail, crabgrass, pigweed, soybean, wild buckwheat, tomato, sorghum. In the surface applications the seeds were covered by overfilling the pan with soil and striking it level. The measured amount of chemical in a suitable solvent or as a wettable powder was applied to this surface. In the soil incorporation treatments the soil required to level fill the pans after seeding was weighed into a pan, a known amount of the chemical applied in a solvent or as a wettable powder, the soil thoroughly mixed and used as a cover layer for seeded pans. After treatment the pans were moved into a greenhouse bench where they are watered from below as needed to give adequate moisture for germination and growth.

Approximately 14 days after seeding and treating the plants were observed and the results recorded. The herbicidal activity index is based on the average percent germination of each seed lot. The activity index is converted to a relative numerical scale for the sake of brevity and simplicity in the examples. The preemergent herbicidal activity index used in this example is as follows:

Average Percent Herhicidal Germination Numerical Scale Activity 76-100 0 No activity 51-75 1 Slight 26-50 2 Moderate 0-25 3 Severe The preemergence herbicidal activity of some of the alphahaloacetanilides of this invention are recorded in table 1 for various application rates of the alpha-haloacetanilide in both surface and soil-incorporated applications. In table 1, the various seeds are represented by letters as follows:

A General Grass K Foxtail B General Broadleaf L Barnyard C Morning Glory M Crab Grass D Wild Oats N Pigweed E Brome Grass 0 Soybean F Rye Grass P Wild Buckwheat G Radish 0 Tomato H Sugar Beet R Sorghum 1 Cotton 5 Rice .1 Corn M'IABLE I.PREEMERGENCE HERBICIDAL ACTIVITY Total herbicidal rating Rate, Plant Example lb./ Broad- Com- No. Compound acre A B C D E F G H I J K L M N P Q R 8 Grass lea! ments 7 6 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 24 23 (2) 2 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 2 3 3 3 3 l 1 2 3 23 15 (2) 1 2-brorno-N-bromomethyll2 3 1 1 3 3 3 1 2 0 0 3 3 3 3 0 0 2 3 21 9 (2) 2'-tert-butyl-6'-methyl- 3 0 0' 3 3 3 I 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 1 o 2 3 24 6 (2) zmetsnlllde. 0. 1 3 1 0 3 3 3 2 0 0 1 3 3 3 3 1 1 0 3 22 7 (2) 0.05 3 0 0 3 3 3 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 l (1 0 0 3 24 l (2) 22222222222222222 2 2 2 3 2 2 (2 fififfggfififEgi 1 3 a 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 a 3 3 s 2 2 3 3 24 20 (2) 3 lace de 1A 3 0 0 l 3 3 0 0 O 0 3 2 3 3 0 0 0 3 18 3 (2) m Y n M 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 o 0 2 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 10 a (2) 2 22 22 2 2 2 (2 a 22 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 22 22 22 22 1 0 2 2 2 2 ethylacetanmde- 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 2 0 0 3 a 3 3 o 0 0 1 1 14 a 2) 2 2 2 222222 22 2 22 2 5 3 3 2 3 2 3 1... 7 2/ 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 22 2 22 3 1 0 3 3 0 2 0 eihylacetanmde (for 3 0 0 2 2 2 '0 2 0 0 3 3 3 3 0 o 0 3 1 10 5 2) 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 18 21 1) 5 2-bromo-2-tert-butyl- 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 26 20 (2) N-cl'1l0romethy1-6'- 3 1 2 3 3 3 0 2 0 1 3 3 3 3 2 0 1 3 3 10 (2) methyla'cetanilide. 05 2 g g g (2) 31 :l 0 0 g 3 g g g g g g 1 2; 3 6

1 1 3 3 a 3 a 3 2 3 1 3 3 a 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 27 20 2) N' M 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 1 0 1 3 3 a 3 a 0 0 3 2 24 11 2) 6 'meihylacmnmde' o. 05 1 o 0 1 1 o o 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 a 1 2 (1) Surface application. (2) Incorporated in soil.

EXAMPLE 49 and 65 wt. percent of a tall oil-ethylene oxide condensate hav- 1 i 30 mg about 6 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of tall 01] The |n- This 6x21111918 illllslfates h surprising preemergent i 5 juries to the plants were observed after 14 days and are rebicidal superiority of compounds of the invention .as com-5 Eported in table ill. The postemergent herbicidal activity index pared to closely related compounds which do not have the'i used in this example is based on the average percent injury of same structure as the compounds of the invention. It is seen: ieach plant species and is defined as follows: from the data in table II below that the compounds of this in-l- Numerical Herbicidal vention are a number of times more active as prcemergent} Injury Scale Activity herbicides than the closely related compounds. In table ll the l identification of'seeds and the herbicidal activity index have o-zs 0 o t h e sgr ne definitionasabove. 1

.. a ful.

TABLE IL-COMPARISON 0F PRE-EMERGENT HE RBI J IgAL ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS ALPHA.

Total herbicidal Rate Plant rating Example 0 1 Ompounrl Broad- Com- 1 2 b 7 acre A B C D E F G H K M N O P Q R Grass leaf ments n romo-N-bromo- 1 3 2 methyl-W-tertbutyl- 3 l i g g g i g g g g 1 3 18 14 6 -methylacetanllide. y, 3 0 3 3 3 0 o 3 3 a 1 g 5 g i; g 0.1 3 1 0 3 3 3 2 0 3 3 3 1 1 0 0. 05 a o 0 a 3 a 0 0 3 a 1 0 0 0 3 18 7 (2) 0.02 2 o 3 18 1 (2) Z-bEmIp-g- Q-arMtnol 1 0 g g 3 g 2 g 8 g 8 g e y er u 1 2 fif-n w ch yl scemmiide. A 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 5 0 U y -2-chloro-N- 1 3 i chlommem l-fi 1 3 3 3 f g g g g g g a g 2 a a 13 1s (2) 2 methylacetanillde. $4 3 0 0 1 3 3 0 O 3 3 g 0 8 3 g A 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 o 2 2'-tert-butyl-2-chloro-N- 1 3 2 0 1 3 2) I (2-chloroethyl)-6- I O 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 0 1 6 1 me'thylacetanllide.

EXAMPLE 1 51-75 2 Moderate M l 76-99 3 Severe v loo 4 fien aP The postemergent herbicidal activity of representative! alpha-haloacetanilides of this invention was determined in TABLE IIL-POST-EMERGENT HERBICIDAL ACTIVITY OF greenhouse tests. The alpha-haloacetanilide to be tested was, 'HALOACETANILIDES OF THE INVENTION applied in spray form to 2l-day-old specimens of the same General grasses and broadleaf plants as used in the preemergent tests l Example G 01111 Grass Broadleat described in example 48. The same number of seeds of the mm d same plants used in example 48 were planted in 9% X5% X2% 1 'gg g ig gigggfiz 2 1 aluminum pans. After the plants were 2l-days old, each alu- 2 gn x pg 1 b. 1 2 1- 2 2 minum pan was sprayed with 6 ml. of a 0.5 percent concentra- I mflthylacetflniude- 1 1 tron solutlon of the candidate chemical, corresponding to a I 2 jfifi fgfiifif fifigf N'chlom methyl; rate of approximately 10 pounds per acre. This herbicidal i4 2-bromo-Nbmrnomethyl2-tert-butyl4i- 2 2 solution was prepared from am aliquot of 2 percent solution of 5 jfigg gf iffi 832 3 the candidate compound in acetone, 0.2 ml. of a 3:1 cyclohex- 1 6 methylacotanflllde. N mom 2 2 3 ,anone-emulsifying agent mix and sufficient water to make a 2 fig ijgfi fifi ,fi, I standard volume. The emulsifying agent was a mlxture com- 7 2-bromo-2-teit-butyl-N-(alpha-bromo-z- 2 .i

prising 33 wt. percent butylamine dodecylbenzene sulfonatg ydroxybenzyl)-6-ethylacetanllldu- As demonstrated in the examples above, quite different effects can be obtained by modifying the method of use of the herbicidal compositions of this invention. Thus, unusual grass specificity can be achieved at lower levels of application whereas at higher levels of application a more general herbicidal effect or soil sterilization takes place. Therefore, an essential part of this invention is the formulation of herbicidal compositions that permit a uniform predetermined application of active ingredient to the soil or plant system to produce the desired effect.

In general, the alpha-haloacetanilides of this invention are insoluble in water and somewhat soluble in may organic solvents. The active ingredient need not be dissolved in the extending agent but can merely be dispersed or suspended therein as a suspension or emulsion. Also, the alphahaloacetanilides may first be dissolved in a suitable organic solvent and the organic solution of the active ingredient than incorporated in water or an aqueous extending agent to form a heterogeneous dispersion. Examples of some suitable organic solvents for use as extending agents include hexane, benzene. toluene, acetone, cyclohexanone, methylethylketone, isopropanol, butanediol, methanol, diacetone alcohol. xylene, dioxane, isopropyl ether, ethylene dichloride, tetrachloroethane, hydrogenated nephthalene, solvent naphtha, petroleum fractions (e.g., those boiling almost entirely under 400 C F., at atmospheric pressure and having flask points above about 80 F., particularly kerosene), and the like. Where true solutions are desired, mixtures of organic solvents have been found to be useful, for example, 1:1 and l :2 mixtures of xylene and cyclohexanone.

Solid adjuvants in the form of particulate solids are very useful in the practice of the present invention because of the low-solubility properties of the alpha-haloacetanilides of this invention. in using this type of adjuvant, the active ingredient is either adsorbed or dispersed on or in the finely divided solid material. Preferably the solid materials are not hygroscopic but are materials which render the composition permanently dry and free flowing. Suitable particulate solids include the natural clays, such as china clays, the bentonites and the attapulgites; other minerals in natural state, such as talc, pyrophyillite, quartz, diatomaceous earth, Fuller's earth,

chalk, rock phosphate, kaolin, kieselguhr, volcanic ash, salt,

and sulfur; the chemically modified minerals, such as acidwashed bentonite, precipitated calcium phosphate, precipitated calcium carbonate, calcined magnesia, and colloidal silica; and other solid materials such as powdered cork, powdered wood and powdered pecan or walnut shells. These range of -40 mesh and preferably in much finer size.

The surface active agent, that is the wetting, emulsifying, or dispersion agent, used in the herbicidal compositions of this invention to serve in providing uniform dispersions of all formulation components in both liquid and particulate solid form can be anionic, cationic, nonionic, or mixtures thereof. Suitable surface active agents are the organic surface active agents capable of lowering the surface tension of water and include the conventional soaps, such as the water-soluble salts of longchain carboxylic acids; the amino soaps, such as the amine salts of long-chain carboxylic acids; the sulfonated animal, vegetable, and mineral oils; quaternary slats of high molecular materials are used in finely divided form, at least in a size weight acids; rosin soaps, such as salts of abietic acid; sulfuric acid salts of high molecular weight organic compounds; algin soaps; ethylene oxide condensated with fatty acids, alkyl phenols and mercaptans; and other simple and polymeric compositions having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic func- 1 tions.

The liquid herbicidal compositions of this invention generally comprise 0.01 percent to 99 percent by weight of the active ingredient with the remainder being herbicidal adjuvant which can be liquid extending agent or surface active agent (including adhesive agent), but preferably in an admixture thereof. Normally it is preferred that the herbicidal adjuvant be the major component in the composition, i.e. be

present in the composition in excess of 50 percent by weight.

Preferably, the surface active agent composes from ().l percent to 15 percent by weight of the total composition. The remainder of the composition if the liquid extending agent.

The concentration active ingredient in the particulate solid or dust compositions of this invention can vary over wide ranges depending upon the nature of the solid adjuvant and the intended use of the composition. Since the active ingredients of this invention have very high toxicities and are applied at very low rates in order to obtain selectivity, the concentration of the active ingredient in the dust composition can be very low and may comprise as little as 1 percent or less by weight of the total dust composition. By contrast, when the dust composition is to be used for soil sterilization, it may be desirable to have a very high concentration of active ingredient and for such use the active ingredient can comprise as much as 5 percent to 98 percent by weight ofthe total composition. The remainder of the composition is the herbicidal adjuvant which is usually only the particulate solid extending agent. Normally it is preferred that the solid herbicidal adjuvant by the major component in the composition, i.e., be present in the composition in excess of 50 percent by weight. Thus, the surface active agent is not usually required in dust compositions although it can be used if desired. However, if the particulate solid compositions are to be applied as a wettable powder, a surface agent must be added. Ordinarily the amount of surface active agent will be in the range of 0.1 percent to 15 percent by weight of the herbicidal composition.

The herbicidal compositions of this invention can also contain other additaments, for example fertilizers, pesticides and the like; used as adjuvant or in combination with any of the above-described adjuvants. Herbicides useful in combination with the above-described compounds include for example 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acids, 2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid and the salts, esters and amides thereof; triazine derivatives, such as 2,4- bis(3-methoxypropylamino)-6-methylthio-S-triazone; 2- chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-S-triazine, and 2- ethylamino-4-isopropylamino 6-methylmercapto-S-triazine; urea derivatives such as 3-(3,4-di chlorophenyl)-l,l-dimethyl urea and 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-l,l-dimethyl urea, acetanilides such as N-isopropyl-alpha-chloro-acetanilide and N-ethylalpha-chloro-Z-methylacetanilide, and acetamides such as N,N-dially-alpha-chloroacetamide, N-(alpha-chloroacetyl- )hexamethylene imine, and N,N-diethyl-alpha-bromo-acetamide, and the like. Fertilizers useful in combination with the active ingredients include for example ammonium nitrate,

urea and superph'osphate. otheffisefiil additaments include materials in which plant organisms take root and grow such as compost, manure, humus, sand and the like.

The herbicidal compositions of this invention are applied to the plant systems in the conventional manner. Thus, the dust and liquid compositions can be applied to the plant systems by the use of power dusters, brooms and hand sprayers and spray dusters. The compositions can also be applied from airplanes as a dust or a spray because they are effective in a very low dosage. In order to modify or control growth of germinating seeds or emerging seedlings, the dust and liquid compositions are applied to the soil according to conventional methods and are preferably distributed in the soil to a depth of at least onehalf inch below the soil surface. It is not absolutely necessary that the herbicidal compositions be admixed with the soil particles and these compositions can be applied merely by spraying or sprinkling the surface of the soil. The herbicidal compositions of this invention can also be applied by addition to irrigation water supplied to the field to be treated. This method of application permits the penetration of the compositions into the soil as the water is absorbed therein. Dust compositions sprinkled on the surface of the soil can be distributed below the surface of the soil by conventional means such as discing, dragging or mixing operations.

The application of an effective amount of active ingredient to the plant system is essential in the practice of the present invention. The exact dosage to be applied is dependent not only upon the specific alpha-haloacetanilide but also upon the par- 65635456? species to be controlled and the stage of growth thereof as well as the part of the plant to be contacted with the to 25 pounds per acre. However, because of the unusually high unit activity possessed by the active ingredients of this invention, soil sterilization is ordinarily accomplished at a rate of application in the range of l to 10 pounds per acre. in selective preemergence applications to the soil, a dosage of from 0.05 to pounds of active ingredient per acre is usually employed but lower or higher rates may be necessary in some instances. lt is believed that one skilled in the art can readily determine from the disclosure, including the examples, the optimum rate to be applied in any particular case.

The terms soil" and growth media are employed in the present specification and claims in their broadest sense to be I inclusive of all conventional soils" as defined in Webster's New International Dictionary, Second Edition, Unabridged (1961). Thus the terms referred to any substance or media in which vegetation may take root and grow, and are intended to include not only earth but compost, manure, muck, humus, sand and the like, adapted to support plant growth.

While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have i been described hereinbefore with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can readily be made by those skilled in the art without deiparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. Ac-

. cordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims ap- Y pended hereto be limited to the examples and description set 1 2' pz forth herein but rather the claims be construed as encom-- I passing all the features of potentable novelty which reside in the present invention including all features which would be.

wherein R is alkyl having a maximum of carbon atoms; R v is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having 5 maximum of eight carbon atoms and alkoxy having a maxl imum of four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group coni sisting of halogen, alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon i atoms and alkoxy having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R

independently halogen; m is one of the integers O to 5; and n one of the integers O to 3.

2. A herbicidal composition according to claim 1 in which R and R are each independently alkyl having a maximum of 5 10 carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, al- 3 kenyl each having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms; and-X and X are each independently selected from the group consisting 10 of chloro, bromo and iodo.

3. A herbicidal composition according to claim 1 in which R and R are each independently alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl each having a maximum of six carbon atoms; p is one of the integers 0 to 3; R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; X and X are each independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromo and iodo; m is one of integers 0 to 2; and n is one of the integers 0 to 2.

4. A herbicidal composition according to claim 3 in which i R is methyl and m is one.

5. A herbicidal composition according to claim 4 in which n is zero.

6. A herbicidal composition according to claim 5 in which R is hydrogen.

7. A herbicidal composition according to claim 4 in which 1 R is tertiary butyl.

8. A herbicidal composition according to claim 6 which is 2 ,6 2-chloroacetanilide.

9. A herbicidal composition according to claim 6 which is I 2',62-chloroacetanilide.

10. A herbicidal composition according to claim 7 which is 11. A method of inhibiting the growth of plants which comprises contacting the plant system with a herbicidal effective amount of one or more Ifl-alphahaloalkylanilide ofthe formula wherein R is alkyl having a maximum of 10 carbon atoms; R is selected form the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having 'a maximum of eight carbon atoms and alkoxy having a max- 5 imurn of four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group con- :sisting of halogen, alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms and alkoxy having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R

is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkeis selected from the group consisting hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,

nyl, alkynyl each having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms and the group I wherein X is halogen; R is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; I p is one of the integers 0 to 5; v is one of the integers 0 to 2; R is one selected from the group consisting of alkyl having a maximum of 18 carbonatomsami phenyl; X and are each 75 of 18 carbon atoms and phenyl, X and X are each indepen:

'alkynyl each having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms and the group dently halogen; m is one of the integers to and n is one of the integers 0 to 3.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11 in which R and R are each independently alkyl having a maximum of carbon atoms: R is selected from the group consisting of halogen I and alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms; R is 1 selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl each having a maximum of eighteen carbon atoms; and X and y X are each independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromo and iodo. 13. A method in accordance with claim 11 in which R' and ii A R are each independently alkyl having a maxirnum of four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl having a maximum for four carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl each having a maximum of six carbon atoms; p is one of the integers 0 to 3; R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; X and X are each independently selected from the group consisting of i chloro, bromo and iodo; m is one of integers O to 2; and n is one of the integers 0 to 2.

l IF I! l 1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page 1 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3, 3 ,7 Datd 7 December 28, 1971 Iriventofls) John F. Olin It is certified that, error appears iu the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

l Column 1, lines "19-26, and lines 54-61; Column 2, lines 12- l9gxColumn 17,-lines 46-55; and Column 18, lines -50, delete the structural formula appearing at these points and substitute therefor a Column 1, linesfvj-fil, and lines 70-75; Column 2, lines 26- 31; Column 17, lines-6540; and Column 18, lines -70, delete the structural formula appearing at these points and substitute therefor Column2, lines -75, delete the structural formula appearing at this point and substitute therefor ,T

FORM PO-O (10-69) USCOMM-DC 6037G-P69 UVS. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I969 O3GG-334 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page 2 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 5,650,716 Dated December 97 Inventor(s) John F. Olin It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 3, line 16 and line 51, delete "x and substitute therefor X v Y Column5, lines 52-60 delete the structural formula appearing at this point and substitute therefor Column 5, lines 67-75, delete the chemical equation appearing at this point substitute therefor I Column 4, line 29, delete and substitute therefor Xm Column 4, lines 58%, delete the structural formula appearing at this point and substitute therefor CONTINUED FORM USCOMM-DC scans-ps9 I A US, GOVERNMENT PR|NT|NG OFFICE 2 I969 0-366334 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page 3 CERTHHCATE OF CORRECTHJN Patent No. 3,630,71 Dated 'December 28, 1971 lnventofls) John F. Olin It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 7, line 52, delete "6methy1" and substitute therefor 6-methyl Column 7, line 56, delete "2-bromo-2'-tert-butyl-N-(alphabromo-2,4-dichlorobenzyl)6'-methylacetanilide" and substitute therefor 2-bromo-2'-tert-butyl-N(alpha-bromo-2,4-dich1orobenzyl)-6'-methylacetanilide Column 8, line 75, delete "tetrt" and substitute therefor tert Column 9, line 21, line 23, line 24, and line 25, delete "n and substitute therefor --'n golumn 9, line 38, delete "n25 and substitute therefor n golumn 10, line 55, delete "n25D" and substitute therefor "-0- Column 10, line 55, delete "n and substitute therefor n5 CONTINUED i FORM PO-105O (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 w 0.5. GOVERNMENT Prmm us OFFICE: [959 0-366-334 FORM PO-1050 (10-69) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page 4 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 3 ,7 Dated D c mb 197 JOhn F. Olin Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patentare hereby corrected as shown below:

golumn 10, line 70, delete "n and substitute therefor I11) "0 Column ll, lines 10, 45 and 61 and Column 12, line 6, delete as" 5 and substitute therefor n Column 12, line 70, delete "ration" and substitute therefor rating Column 15, line 72, delete "am" and substitute therefor --an- Column 15, line 12, delete "may" and substitute therefor many Column 15, line 27, after "400" delete "C".

Column 15, line 61, delete "slats" and substitute therefor salts Column 16, line 1, delete "composes" and substitute therefor comprises Column 16, line 3, delete "if" and substitute therefor --is-- Column 16, line 21, delete "by" and substitute therefor be n 16, line triazine Column 18, line 31, delete the-entire line and substitute therefor CONTINUED USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 u,s, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I959 0-366-334 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page 5 ERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION 3, 30,71 Datedf December 28, 1971 Patent No.

John F. 01in Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

-- 2',6' diethyl-N-chloromethyl-2-chloroacetanilide Column 18, line 53, delete the entire line and substitute therefor 2",6' -dimethyl-N-chloromethyl-2-chloroacetanilide.

- Signed and sealed this 11th day of July 1972.

(SEAL) Attest EDWARD lmFLETCl-lER, JR. 7 ROBERT GOTISCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1969 0-366-334 FORM PO-1050 (10-69) 

2. A herbicidal composition according to claim 1 in which R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl having a maximum of 10 carbon atoms; R3 is selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl each having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms; and X and X1 are each independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromo and iodo.
 3. A herbicidal composition according to claim 1 in which R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R3 is selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl each having a maximum of six carbon atoms; p is one of the integers 0 to 3; R5 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; X and X1 are each independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromo and iodo; m is one of integers 0 to 2; and n is one of the integers 0 to
 2. 4. A herbicidal composition according to claim 3 in which R5 is methyl and m is one.
 5. A herbicidal composition according to claim 4 in which n is zero.
 6. A herbicidal composition according to claim 5 in which R4 is hydrogen.
 7. A herbicidal composition according to claim 4 in which R1 is tertiary butyl.
 8. A herbicidal composition according to claim 6 which is 2'',6''-diethyl-N-chloromethyl-2-chloroacetanilide.
 9. A herbicidal composition according to claim 6 which is 2'',6''-dimethyl-N-chloromethyl-2-chloroacetanilide.
 10. A herbicidal composition according to claim 7 which is 2''-t-butyl-6''-methyl-N-chloromethyl-2-chloroacetanilide.
 11. A method of inhibiting the growth of plants which comprises contacting the plant system with a herbicidal effective amount of one or more N-alphahaloalkylanilide of the formula wherein R1 is alkyl having a maximum of 10 carbon atoms; R2 is selected form the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms and alkoxy having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R3 is selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms and alkoxy having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R4 is selected from the group consisting hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl each having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms and the group wherein X2 is halogen; R6 is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; P is one of the integer 0 to 5; v is one of the integer 0 to 2; R5 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms and phenyl, X and X1 are each independently halogen; m is one of the integers 0 to 5; and n is one of the integers 0 to
 3. 12. A method in accordance with claim 11 in which R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl having a maximum of 10 carbon atoms: R3 is selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl having a maximum of eight carbon atoms; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl each having a maximum of eighteen carbon atoms; and X and X1 are each independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromo and iodo.
 13. A method in accordance with claim 11 in which R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; R3 is selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl having a maximum for four carbon atoms; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl each having a maximum of six carbon atoms; p is one of the integers 0 to 3; R5 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl having a maximum of four carbon atoms; X and X1 are each independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromo and iodo; m is one of integers 0 to 2; and n is one of the integers 0 to
 2. 